Federal and local officials reported that an Airbus H125 helicopter and a Robinson R22 helicopter collided in midair on Thursday afternoon near McMinnville, Oregon. The collision occurred at approximately 2:15 p.m. local time near McMinnville Municipal Airport, located about 35 miles southwest of Portland.
The Robinson R22 was occupied only by its pilot, while the Airbus H125 carried two individuals at the time of the collision. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the incident, though the immediate condition of the three people involved was not reported by officials.
The Yamhill County Sheriff's Office stated that multiple area agencies responded to the crash site. Local authorities closed surrounding roads following the event. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has been designated as the lead agency for the investigation into the causes of the collision, with support from the FAA.
Separately, officials reported two other recent aviation incidents in different states. In Carlisle, Pennsylvania, a Pennsylvania State Police Bell 407 helicopter and a Cessna 150 airplane collided midair on Wednesday, August 19, at approximately 7:50 p.m. In San Diego, California, a Cessna 172 crashed during a go-around at Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport on Monday, September 8, resulting in two fatalities.
The scale of these investigations involves multiple federal and state agencies, including the FAA and NTSB. In the Pennsylvania crash, two people were on the helicopter, while the occupancy of the Cessna remained unknown at the time of reporting. In San Diego, emergency crews managed a fuel leak and a post-impact fire on the runway. Investigators will analyze flight track data, maintenance records, and air traffic control recordings.
What happens next: For the Oregon collision, the NTSB will lead the investigation. In the San Diego investigation, the NTSB stated a preliminary report will be available within 30 days of the September 8 crash. Investigators are seeking witness statements and surveillance footage, including doorbell camera video, to assist in the investigation. The final determination of cause by the NTSB typically follows the preliminary reporting phase.